Motivational Monologue

Written 07/28/14 | Revised 03/20/21

This monologue was created for the lead character in one of my stories, but I haven't yet decided which one story will be its home.

“Truth is, you want someone to swoop in and save you and make all the bad things go away. You yearn for that valiant hero who comes at the last possible moment just when all hope is lost and saves the day. You ache for that familiar protector – clothed boldly in vibrant colors with a striking sigil on their chest – who makes evil tremble and allows you to breathe easily with reassurance. You desperately want that kind of rescuing without having to surrender your dignity, independence, or fortitude. Just once, you want a decent, trustworthy person who lets you know it’s going to be okay and shields you from the world and the mire of its ugliness.

But that’s not going to happen. No one is going to protect you when things get rough. You have to learn how to stand strong, with your two feet planted firmly, and face the unprejudiced darkness. Your fears, problems, and struggles aren’t going to magically disappear by you cowering from reality. Your fate is in your hands; you can’t wait for or rely on people to shape it for you. Truth is, as much as you want to bury your head under a thick, warm blanket and let heroes fight your battles, you know deep down that it’s your responsibility to stand up for yourself and face the world. Life will knock you down without a care for your circumstances. But that does not give you the right to give up. So you let yourself have that cry, that breakdown, that collapse from despair. But then you pick yourself right up out of the muck and keep going. Somewhere inside you is the strength to brave the storm and the resolve to handle whatever is hurled your way. You have to stare fear in the eye and push onward, and never look back.”